The Penticton Vees have been busy this week with a pair of roster moves that saw the team make a trade and sign a forward from the United Kingdom.
Set to join the team from the Manchester Storm in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) is British forward Connor Lee.
The 17-year-old has appeared in 21 games for the Storm this season and notched two assists in 39 games with the team last season.
“Despite his age, Lee has played at the pro level the past two seasons,” stated Vees head coach Fred Harbinson.
“His speed and hockey sense will definitely enhance our group.”
The Manchester product recently represented Great Britain at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey U20 World Championship Division II Group A tournament.
“This decision was made in the best interest of Connor,” said Storm GM Ryan Finnerty in a social media post.
“Selfishly, we would love to have him here for the rest of the season, but this is a great opportunity for him to showcase himself against kids his own age. When we signed Connor this was always the plan and I’m happy we were able to facilitate the move. We wish Connor nothing but the best going forward.”
The Vees also made a trade this week that saw the team acquire defenceman Oscar Pantzare from the Victoria Grizzlies for future considerations.
🚨 Roster Moves 🚨
— Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) January 16, 2025
We have acquired 20-year-old Swedish defenceman Oscar Pantzare from the @BCHLGrizzlies for future considerations.
📰 https://t.co/Dv9FqrCOUP
📸 Kyle Robinson pic.twitter.com/UKwgTi7Qwr
“You can never have enough depth on the backend,” added Harbinson.
“Oscar has had a great start to the season in Victoria and we feel his play will only elevate with the support he will have here in Penticton.”
The 20-year-old had 18 points in 30 games with the Grizzlies this season.
The Vees also announced that Logan Bates has signed with the Kamloops Storm of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.
